Fathers in Prison
New Insights in Masculinities, Identity, and Carceral Space
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Published:28th Jul '26
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Crime is a gendered phenomenon. Males make up over 90% of the prison population in most developed countries, and yet paradoxically, discussions about gender and male imprisonment, especially with regard to fathers, do not dominate academic discourse. This book examines the experiences of imprisoned fathers and provides insights into fathers’ experiences of imprisonment and release within Victoria, Australia.
It offers new theoretical perspectives on masculinities, identity (and the self), and carceral space and argues that fathers continue to be largely overlooked throughout the criminal justice process. Fathers in Prison calls attention to the systemic, structural, and societal issues that act as barriers to fathers and their children who are looking to maintain contact during imprisonment and upon their release. In so doing, it reimagines the prison and post-release space and what these could look like if the policy approach was gender-responsive and focused on the whole family.
This book will be of interest to criminologists, penologists, and sociologists studying gender and imprisonment. It will also be useful for social workers, prison practitioners, and policymakers interested in family-focused rehabilitation measures.
Fathers in Prison makes an important and compelling case for taking fatherhood seriously within analyses of imprisonment and rehabilitation. Moving beyond narrow narratives of prison hypermasculinity, Tess Bartlett offers a theoretically rich and empirically grounded account of how fathering identities are negotiated across carceral and post-carceral spaces. In doing so, the book crucially highlights both the institutional failures that marginalise care and connection, and the transformative potential of gender-responsive, family-focused interventions.
Steven Roberts, Professor of Sociology, Monash University, Australia
As many as half the men imprisoned today are fathers. Often, they were primary carers before entering prison. Their experiences and identity as fathers have been sadly neglected in research and prison programmes. Tess Bartlett’s excellent book addresses this issue. It is essential reading for criminal justice policymakers and practitioners.
Christopher Trotter, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, Monash University, Australia
At a time when there are parallel concerns about masculinity and crime, this new book by Tess Bartlett presents a timely discussion of both, drawing from empirical research with fathers imprisoned in Australia. It describes the reality and possibilities of healthier masculinities and argues that fostering a fathering identity can help men become "unstuck" and find "home". The text offers both practical and theoretical insights of interest to scholars and students across disciplines including social work, criminology and law.
Catherine Flynn, Associate Professor of Social Work, Monash University, Australia
ISBN: 9780367894337
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 440g
142 pages